Motor Vehicle Having an Internet Connection and Method of Operating Same

ABSTRACT

In a motor vehicle having an Internet connection and at least two computer units to which at least one operating location respectively is assigned for using the Internet, each operating location includes at least one display unit and operating devices. By each computer unit, at least one browser application for the display of Internet pages is implementable such that, by way of the input devices, Internet pages can be called at each operating location via Internet addresses and can be displayed on the display unit. An Internet address used at a first operating location, which is assigned to a first computer unit, can be automatically stored in a central address memory such that the Internet address can be made available by an access taking place from a second computer unit to the address memory at a second operating location assigned to this second computer unit. This permits a facilitated address input by the operating devices of the second operating location.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 from German PatentApplication No. DE 10 2010 028 944.2, filed May 12, 2010, the entiredisclosure of which is herein expressly incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a motor vehicle having an Internet connectionand at least two computer units to which at least one operating locationrespectively is assigned for using the Internet, each operating locationcomprising at least one display unit and operating devices. By each ofthe at least two computer units, at least one browser application forthe display of Internet pages is implementable such that, by use of theinput devices, Internet pages can be called at each operating locationvia Internet addresses and can be displayed on the display unit.

A calling of Internet pages using Internet addresses (frequently alsocalled URLs) typically takes place in that either the Internet addressis input alphanumerically or in that a previously set so-called bookmarkis called, or in that a previously used Internet address stored in aso-called browser history is selected. The selection from the Internetaddresses stored in the browser history can be facilitated in that, if adesired Internet address is only partially alphanumerically entered inan operating dialog, either the desired Internet address isautomatically completed by means of the browser history, or Internetaddresses from the browser history preselected on the basis of thepartially alphanumerical input are displayed on the display unit of thesecond operating location in order to select one of these Internetaddresses and thereby cause an address input.

The providing of several operating locations for the display of Internetpages is known in motor vehicles, particularly for a circumstance inwhich, in addition to the display of Internet pages on a centralinformation display, which may be arranged, for example, in the centerof the instrument panel of the motor vehicle, a so-called rear seatentertainment system is provided by which Internet pages can also beviewed on one or even more display units in the rear of the motorvehicle.

It is an object of the present invention to increase the operatingcomfort when using the Internet at several operating locations in amotor vehicle.

This object is achieved by a motor vehicle having an Internet connectionand at least two computer units to which at least one operating locationrespectively is assigned for using the Internet, each operating locationincluding at least one display unit and operating devices. By eachcomputer unit, at least one browser application for the display ofInternet pages is implementable such that, by use of input devices,Internet pages can be called at each operating location via Internetaddresses and can be displayed on the display unit. An Internet addressused at a first operating location, which is assigned to a firstcomputer unit, can be automatically stored in a central address memorysuch that the Internet address can be made available by an access takingplace from a second computer unit to the address memory at a secondoperating location assigned to the second computer unit, in order topermit a facilitated address input by way of the operating devices ofthe second operating location.

Advantageously, an Internet address used at a first operating location,which is assigned to a first computer unit, can be automatically storedin a central address memory such that the Internet address can be madeavailable by an access taking place from a second computer unit to theaddress memory at a second operating location assigned to this secondcomputer unit, in order to permit a facilitated address input by way ofthe operating devices of the second operating location. In this case,the facilitated address input can be made possible particularly in thatan only partially implemented alphanumerical input of the Internetaddress is automatically completed, and/or in that a plurality ofInternet addresses stored in the address memory can be displayed on thedisplay unit of the second operating location and an Internet addresscan be selected from the displayed plurality of Internet addresses bythe operating devices of the second operating location in order to causean address input.

While it is known from the state of the art to carry a so-called browserhistory in a respective separate manner “locally” for a single operatinglocation or for several operating locations, a central browser historyis now created for several operating locations within a motorvehicle—even if these operating locations are assigned to differentcomputer units. Internet addresses that were used at a first operatinglocation (for example, on the left in the rear of the motor vehicle) areavailable at a second operating location (for example, in the front ofthe motor vehicle) for the facilitated address input. As a result,different users can profit from one another, on the one hand, but, onthe other hand, one and the same user, who uses different operatinglocations at different times for surfing the Internet, can profit fromhis earlier inputs.

Preferably, the storing of Internet addresses in the browser history canbe implemented from any operating location without any authentication.Furthermore, preferably all Internet addresses stored in the browserhistory are made available at any operating location without anyauthentication. Both preferably take place automatically and withoutfurther prompting or operating actions by the user or users. Despite theuse of different operating locations, this results in operating comfortof a single operating location even if the used operating locations areassigned to different computer units. An authentication of the user,i.e., an authorization check, particularly by way of a user name andpassword inquiry, will not be necessary because the vehicle itselfrepresents a closed system where other access restrictions (vehiclelocking system, alarm system, etc.) ensure that only trustworthy personshave access to the above-mentioned operating locations. Not even thestoring of authorization information, particularly a user name andpassword, (which, as a rule, is connected with security risks thatcannot be calculated) is therefore required.

According to a first advantageous embodiment of the invention, the firstand the second computer unit are connected with one another by way of abus connection, and the central address memory is arranged in a thirdcomputer unit which is connected with the first and the second computerunit also by way of a bus connection. The first and the second computerunits will then “have equal access” with respect to the storage andretrieval of Internet addresses. They are also not burdened byapplication software, data to be stored and/or data traffic inconnection with the management of the stored Internet addresses.Preferably, a third computer unit is selected which is present in themotor vehicle anyhow and is equipped with corresponding resources and/orcommunication possibilities.

According to a second advantageous embodiment of the invention, thefirst and the second computer unit are connected with one another by wayof a bus connection, and the central address memory is arranged in thesecond computer unit. The storage and retrieval of Internet addressescan then take place from an operating location assigned to the secondcomputer unit without causing data traffic on the data bus. This will bean advantage particularly when the operating location or locations,which is/are assigned to the second computer unit, is/are clearly usedmore frequently and/or more intensively than that operating location orthose operating locations which is/are assigned to the first computerunit. A preferred example of an application case is that the firstcomputer unit is constructed as a control device in a rear seatentertainment system of the motor vehicle, and that the second computerunit is constructed as a head unit of the motor vehicle. In thisapplication case, two operating locations (one at the rear left, one atthe rear right) are preferably assigned to the control device in therear seat entertainment system, while only one operating location isassigned to the head unit, the display unit of this operating locationpreferably being embodied by a central information display of the motorvehicle.

In the case of the first above-mentioned embodiment of the invention aswell as in the case of the second above-mentioned embodiment of theinvention, the computer unit, in which the address memory is arranged,preferably executes an address management module, by which the addressmemory is managed. Such an address management module is preferablydesigned to be expandable in order to be able to centrally manage, inaddition to Internet addresses, under certain circumstances, also otherhelpful browser data beyond operating locations and beyond computerunits.

If several operating locations are assigned to a computer unit, it isparticularly efficient to operate these operating locations such that alogic instance of the browser application can be implemented by thecomputer unit for each of the operating locations. In theabove-mentioned case in which two operating locations are assigned to acontrol device that is part of the rear seat entertainment system of themotor vehicle, a logic instance of the browser application can thereforepreferably be implemented by the control device for each of the twooperating locations.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, theabove-mentioned browser application includes especially a proprietaryman-system interface module and an HTML rendering module implementedparticularly by open-source components, which HTML rendering moduleinteracts exclusively with the man-system interface module. The“stripped” display functionality can therefore be provided in acost-effective and mass-compatible manner “off the shelf” by the HTMLrendering module, while an Internet address management functionalityadapted to the technical realities of the equipment existing in themotor vehicle, its communication architecture and its communicationprotocols can be incorporated in the man-system interface module. Acorresponding modular design is also advantageous for aproducer-specific or even vehicle-specific design of operating surfaces.If the design of operating surfaces and the Internet address managementfunctionality are integrated in a joint proprietary man-system interfacemodule, the HTML rendering module can continue to be unaffected thereby,without having to create an additional module.

According to an advantageous further development of the invention, theaddress memory or a computer unit including the address memory has adata interface, and the motor vehicle has communication devices for thewireless communication with a stationary service device, particularly aso-called backend. Internet addresses transmitted in a wireless mannerfrom the service device to the motor vehicle can then be entered in theaddress memory by way of the data interface. Furthermore, the servicedevice can directly or indirectly provide an Internet portal or anotherInternet application, where—then naturally with an authorizationcheck—Internet addresses can be comfortably input and managed from astationary computer working station in order to then transmit them in awireless manner into the motor vehicle. Likewise, advantageously,Internet addresses can be retrieved from the motor vehicle from such anInternet portal in order to perhaps revise and/or archive such Internetaddresses.

According to an independently inventive further development of thepresent invention, in addition, bookmarks can be set and retrieved ateach operating location—specifically such that a bookmark set at a firstoperating location, which is assigned to a first computer unit, can bestored in a central bookmark memory such that the bookmark can beretrieved by an access taking place by a second computer unit to thebookmark memory at a second operating location which is assigned to thissecond computer unit.

The bookmark memory can especially be arranged in the same computer unitas the address memory, particularly in the same memory unit of thiscomputer unit, and can be managed by a profile management moduleimplemented by this computer unit.

Independently of the focus on management of Internet addresses otherwiseendeavored in the present application—an alternative embodiment based onvery similar considerations is inventive, specifically a motor vehiclehaving an Internet connection and at least two computer units to which,in each case, at least one operating location for Internet use isassigned, each operating location comprising at least one display unitand operating devices. By means of each computer unit, at least onebrowser application for displaying Internet pages is implementable suchthat Internet addresses can be called at each operating location by useof input devices on the basis of Internet addresses and can be displayedon the display unit. So-called bookmarks for certain Internet addressescan be set at each operating location. The alternative concept ischaracterized in that a bookmark set at a first operating location,which is assigned to a first computer unit, can be stored in a centralbookmark memory such that the bookmark can be retrieved by an accesscarried out by a second computer unit to the bookmark memory at a secondoperating location which is assigned to this second computer unit.

According to an alternative embodiment, the motor vehicle is preferablycharacterized in that the storing of bookmarks in the bookmark memorycan be carried out from any operating location without authentication,i.e. without any authorization check, and that all bookmarks stored inthe bookmark memory can be provided at any operating location withoutauthentication, i.e. without any authorization check.

According to another aspect, the motor vehicle is preferablycharacterized, as an alternative or in addition, in that the first andsecond computer units are connected with one another by way of a busconnection, and in that the central bookmark memory is arranged in athird computer unit which is connected with the first and the secondcomputer unit also by way of a bus connection.

However, according to another aspect, the motor vehicle mayadvantageously also be characterized in that the first and secondcomputer units are connected with one another by way of a busconnection, and in that the central bookmark memory is arranged in thesecond computer unit.

According to another aspect, the motor vehicle is preferablyadditionally characterized in that the computer unit, in which thebookmark memory is arranged, implements a bookmark management module bywhich the bookmark memory is managed.

According to yet another aspect, the motor vehicle is preferablycharacterized, as an alternative or in addition, in that the first andsecond computer units are connected with one another by way of a busconnection. The first computer unit is constructed as a control devicefor a rear seat entertainment system of the motor vehicle. The secondcomputer unit is constructed as a head unit of the motor vehicle.

According to still yet another aspect, the motor vehicle is preferablyadditionally characterized in that two operating locations are assignedto the control device for the rear seat entertainment system of themotor vehicle. A logic instance of the browser application can thereforebe implemented by the control device for each of the two operatinglocations.

According to another aspect, the motor vehicle is preferablycharacterized, as an alternative or in addition, in that the browserarrangement includes, in particular, a proprietary man-machine interfacemodule and an HTML rendering module implemented particularly byopen-source components. The HTML rendering module interacts exclusivelywith the man-machine interface module.

According to a further aspect, the motor vehicle is preferablycharacterized, as an alternative or in addition, in that the bookmarkmemory or a computer unit including the bookmark memory has a datainterface. The motor vehicle has communication devices for the wirelesscommunication with a stationary service device, particularly a so-calledbackend. Bookmarks transmitted in a wireless manner from the servicedevice to the motor vehicle can be entered into the bookmark memory byway of the data interface.

Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present inventionwill become apparent from the following detailed description of one ormore preferred embodiments when considered in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an information and entertainmentsystem in a motor vehicle having several operating locations forInternet use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an information and entertainment systemin a motor vehicle with several operating locations for Internet use.The motor vehicle 1 has a wireless Internet connection which graphicallyis not shown separately in FIG. 1. Two computer units 11 and 12 of themotor vehicle meet essential functions in connection with the use of theInternet in the motor vehicle.

The computer unit 11 may function as a control device 11 that is part ofa rear seat entertainment (RSE) system. Two operating locations for theInternet use are assigned to the rear seat entertainment system—one fora vehicle occupant who is on the left on a rear seat bench of the motorvehicle, another for a vehicle occupant who is on the right on the rearseat bench. Each of the two operating locations includes a display unitintegrated into the backrests of the front seats and a remote control asthe input device. The logical division into the two operating locationsassigned to the RSE control device 11—on the left rear and the rightrear—is visualized in FIG. 1 by the partition of the RSE control device11 in two operating location halves 11L and 11R. For reasons ofsimplicity and brevity, operating locations 11L and 11R will also beaddressed in the following.

A browser application for the display of Internet pages can beimplemented by the RSE control device 11. A logic instance of thebrowser application can be implemented by the RSE control device 11 foreach of the two operating locations 11L and 11R respectively. At eachoperating location 11L and 11R respectively, Internet pages can be canbe called by remote control by means of Internet addresses and displayedon the display unit. In a manner known per se, the operation takesplace, in particular, following the operating concept known from currentvehicles manufactured by BMW.

The control device 12 is the head unit of the motor vehicle. Only asingle operating location for the Internet use is assigned to thecontrol device 12. Although this operating location can basically alsobe used by the front seat passenger, it is assumed that, as a rule,input is carried out by the driver. The so-called central informationdisplay (CID) of the vehicle is used as the display unit; a rotary/pushcontrol element, particularly an iDrive Controller known from currentBMW vehicles, is used as the input device. In addition to carrying outnumerous other communication, information and entertainment functions,the head unit 12 can also implement a browser application for displayingInternet pages. Since only a single operating location is assigned tothe head unit 12, a single logic instance of the browser applicationwill be sufficient here in order to ensure that, by means of the iDriveController, Internet pages can be called via Internet addresses and canbe displayed on the CID. Here also, the operation takes place, inparticular, following the operating concept known from current BMWvehicles.

The browser application for the head unit 12 includes a proprietaryman-machine interface module 33 and an HTML rendering module 43implemented by open-source components, which HTML rendering module 43interacts exclusively with the man-machine interface module 33.

The logic instances of the browser application implemented by the RSEcontrol device 11 are organized correspondingly: The instance foroperating location 11L includes a man-machine interface module 32 and anHTML rendering module 42 which reacts exclusively with the man-machineinterface module 32. The instance for operating location 11R includes aman-machine interface module 31 and an HTML rendering module 41 whichinteracts exclusively with the man-machine interface module 31.

The man-machine interface modules are capable of communicating with aprofile management module (PMM) 50 implemented by the head unit. In thecase of module 33, this communication takes place within the device. Inthe case of modules 31 and 32, this communication takes place by way ofa bus connection, which is not graphically illustrated separately inFIG. 1, particularly by way of a MOST bus between the head unit 12 andthe RSE control device 11. In this case, a so-called browser history,bookmarks, as well as a so-called Home URL, can be generated, changedand retrieved in the PMM 50. In FIG. 1, the corresponding informationflows are visualized by double arrows 61 (between module 31 and PMM 50),62 (between module 32 and PMM 50) and 63 (between module 33 and PMM 50).

If, for example, a certain Internet address (URL) is used at theoperating location of the head unit 12, this Internet address (URL) istransmitted from the module 33 to the PMM 50 without any further actionby the operator and is stored by the PMM 50 in an address memory forInternet addresses. This creates a browser history. In the presentexample, the address memory is not implemented as a separate memory unitbut represents only a memory area of a data memory of the head unit 12.The Internet addresses stored in the address memory as browser historyare subsequently available to the module 33 or to the operatorinteracting with the latter for the facilitated input of Internetaddresses. If a URL is partially alphanumerically put in by means of theiDrive Controller, the URL can be completed more or less automaticallyby use of the entries of the browser history, or Internet addresses fromthe browser history preselected on the basis of the partiallyalphanumerical input are displayed on the CID in order to permit theoperator to select one of the entries and thereby cause an addressinput. The entire browser history can also be displayed on the CIDwithout any preceding partially alphanumerical input in order to make itpossible for the operator to select one of the entries. For thispurpose, the module 33 retrieves the corresponding entries from the PMM50 in the case of a partially alphanumerical URL input or in the case ofan explicit browser history call.

However, the Internet addresses stored in the address memory as browserhistory are also available to the modules 31 and 32 or to an operatorinteracting with one of these modules at one of the RSE operatinglocations 11L and 11R respectively for the facilitated input of Internetaddresses. Thus, if, for example, a URL is partially alphanumericallyput in by means of one of the remote controls of the RSE system, thisURL can also be “auto-completed” by means of the entries of the browserhistory, or URLs preselected corresponding to the partial input from thebrowser history are displayed on the respective RSE display unit inorder to make it possible for the operator to select one of the entries.Calling the complete browser history is also contemplated. For thispurpose, the module 31 or 32 retrieves the corresponding entries fromthe PMM 50 in the case of a partially alphanumerical URL input or in thecase of an explicit browser history call. The browser history istherefore also available at RSE operating locations 11L and 11R.

This correspondingly applies to the storing of URLs used at the RSEoperating locations 11L and 11R. If a URL is used, for example, atoperating location 11L, this URL will be reported to the PMM 50 by themodule 32 without any further action by the operator and is added to thebrowser history by the PMM 50. An entry into the browser historygenerated in this manner from one of the RSE operating locations 11L and11R will then equally be available also at the operating locationassigned to the head unit, for a facilitated input.

As a result, any operating location or any of the modules 31, 32, 33 orany operator interacting with one of these modules has an equal right togenerate browser history entries as well as equal access to the browserhistory. The browser history combines all URLs used at the differentoperating locations. If, during a first motor vehicle trip, the operatorsits in the driver's seat and uses the Internet there by way of theoperating location assigned to the head unit, he will be able to findthe URLs called during the first trip also during a later second trip inthe browser history if, during this second trip, he sits in the rear ofthe motor vehicle and uses the Internet by way of one of operatinglocations 11L or 11R. He does not have to pass an authorization checkfor this purpose. Since the vehicle is considered to be a closed securesystem, such an authorization check, for example, by means of the username or a password, will not be necessary.

Corresponding modules of the RSE control device 11 and of the head unit12 are implemented largely identically. The modules 31, 32, 33 generateessentially identical operating surfaces but differ because of specificinput/output functions adapted to the hardware of the respectiveoperating location as well as because of the fact that module 33interacts with the profile manager 50 (double arrow 63) “only” withinthe head unit 12, while modules 31 and 32 each interact by way of theMOST bus connection between the head unit 12 and the RSE control device11 with the profile manager 50 (double arrows 61 and 62). The modules41, 42, 43 are implemented identically as a so-called core browser(particularly WebKit).

In addition to the browser history, the PMM 50 also centrally managesbookmarks. Bookmarks can be set and retrieved at each of the threeoperating locations. Also for this purpose, the man-machine interfacemodules 31, 32, 33 are capable of communicating with the PMM 50. In thecase of module 33, this communication takes place within the device. Inthe case of modules 31 and 32, this communication takes place by way ofthe MOST bus between the head unit 12 and the RSE control device 11. Thecorresponding information flows are visualized in FIG. 1 by doublearrows also for this purpose: double arrow 71 for the information flowbetween module 31 and PMM 50, double arrow 72 for the information flowbetween module 32 and PMM 50, and double arrow 73 for the informationflow between module 33 and PMM 50.

Independently of at which operating location a bookmark is set, it isentered in a central bookmark memory in the head unit by the PMM 50. Thebookmark memory and the address memory are therefore arranged in thesame computer unit, in the present case, even in the same memory unit,and they are both managed by the profile management module 50implemented by the head unit. The bookmark memory and the address memorycan jointly be considered to be a profile memory arranged in the headunit. Corresponding to the approach during the entering of URLs in thebrowser history, a bookmark set by the respective operator (in a mannerknown per se) is transmitted from the respective man-machine interfacemodule 31, 32, 33 to the PMM 50 in order to store it in the bookmarkmemory. Inversely, the bookmark memory can be accessed from eachoperating location by way of the respective module and the PMM 50 inorder to retrieve the centrally managed bookmarks.

As a result, the following also applies to the management of thebookmarks: each operating location or each of the modules 31, 32, 33 oreach operator interacting with one of these modules has the equal rightto generate bookmarks as well as to access the bookmarks. The bookmarksin the bookmark memory represent the combination quantity of allbookmarks generated at the different operating locations. If, during afirst motor vehicle trip, the operator sits in the driver's seat anduses the Internet there by way of the operating location assigned to thehead unit, he will be able to retrieve the bookmarks generated duringthe first trip also during a later second trip from the bookmark memoryif, during this second trip, he sits in the rear of the motor vehicleand uses the Internet by way of one of the operating locations 11L or11R. He does not have to pass an authorization check for this purpose.

In addition to the browser history and the bookmarks, the PMM 50 alsocentrally manages a so-called home URL (often also called starting orhome page). A single home URL exists for all three operating locationsin the motor vehicle. This home URL is managed by the PMM 50; it can bechanged from any operating location; and it is available at anyoperating location. For reasons of clarity, FIG. 1 illustrates nofurther information flows related to the latter. The management of thehome URL essentially corresponds to that of the bookmarks. Finally, thehome URL represents a “special” bookmark as it were. The home URL isalso stored in the already addressed profile memory.

The signal flow arrow 80 illustrates a configuration of the profilememory taking place from a so-called backend 81. The motor vehicle hascommunication devices for the wireless communication with the backend81. In a manner known per se, the wireless communication between thebackend and the motor vehicle takes place particularly in the form of aso-called “provisioning”. Inside the motor vehicle, the PMM 50 receivesprompts originating from the backend for the storage of profile data inthe profile memory and carries out the corresponding storage. In thismanner, bookmarks, a browser history and a home URL can be stored. Inthe simplest case, previously stored profile data are simplyoverwritten. As an alternative, a combination of the added and alreadyexisting profile data can be formed.

An Internet portal, which is not graphically illustrated separately inFIG. 1, is coupled with the backend 81. By using the Internet portal,bookmarks, history URLs and a home URL can be comfortably put in andmanaged from a stationary computer working location in order tosubsequently transmit them in a wireless manner into the motor vehicle.

The foregoing disclosure has been set forth merely to illustrate theinvention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of thedisclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of theinvention may occur to persons skilled in the art, the invention shouldbe construed to include everything within the scope of the appendedclaims and equivalents thereof.

1. A motor vehicle, comprising: an Internet connection; first and secondcomputer units, at least a first operating location being assigned tothe first computer unit for using the Internet via the Internetconnection and at least a second operating location being assigned tothe second computer unit for using the Internet via the Internetconnection; each of the first and second operating locations including adisplay unit and an input device; wherein each of the first and secondcomputer units is operatively configured for a browser application fordisplaying Internet pages by use of the respective input device, saidInternet pages being callable at each operating location via Internetaddresses and displayable on the respective display unit; and a centraladdress memory making available Internet addresses at the first andsecond operating locations, wherein an Internet address used at thefirst operating location assigned to the first computer unit isautomatically storable in the central address memory so as to be madeavailable via an access taking place from the second computer unit tothe central address memory at the second operating location in order tofacilitate address input by way of the input device of the secondoperating location.
 2. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, whereinthe facilitated address input is carried out by at least one of anautomatic completion of an only partially implemented alphanumericalinput of the Internet address and a selectable display of a plurality ofInternet addresses stored in the central address memory on the displayunit of the second operating location, whereby the input device of thesecond operating location can select one of the plurality of Internetaddresses displayed on the display unit.
 3. The motor vehicle accordingto claim 1, wherein the automatic storing of the Internet addresses inthe central address memory occurs from any operating location withoutauthentication, and wherein all of the stored Internet addresses in thecentral address memory are available at any operating location withoutauthentication.
 4. The motor vehicle according to claim 2, wherein theautomatic storing of the Internet addresses in the central addressmemory occurs from any operating location without authentication, andwherein all of the stored Internet addresses in the central addressmemory are available at any operating location without authentication.5. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: a busoperatively configured to couple the first and second computer units; athird computer unit in which is operatively located the central addressmemory, the third computer unit being coupled with the first and secondcomputer units via another bus.
 6. The motor vehicle according to claim1, further comprising: a bus operatively coupling the first and secondcomputer units; and wherein the central address memory is arranged inthe second computer unit.
 7. The motor vehicle according to claim 5,further comprising: an address management module operatively configuredto manage the central address memory; and wherein the address managementmodule is implemented in the third computer unit in which the centraladdress memory is arranged.
 8. The motor vehicle according to claim 6,further comprising: an address management module operatively configuredto manage the central address memory; and wherein the address managementmodule is implemented in the second computer unit in which the centraladdress memory is arranged.
 9. The motor vehicle according to claim 1,further comprising: a bus operatively coupling the first and secondcomputer units; wherein the first computer unit is operativelyconfigured as a control device of a rear seat entertainment system ofthe motor vehicle; and wherein the second computer unit is operativelyconfigured as a head unit of the motor vehicle.
 10. The motor vehicleaccording to claim 9, wherein: two operating locations are assigned tothe control device for the rear seat entertainment system; and furtherwherein a logic instance of the browser application is run by thecontrol device for each of the two operating locations.
 11. The motorvehicle according to claim 1, wherein the browser application comprisesa man-machine interface module and an HTML rendering module, said HTMLrendering module being constructed of open-source components andinteracting exclusively with the man-machine interface module.
 12. Themotor vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: a data interfaceof the central address memory or a computer unit comprising the centraladdress memory; communication devices of the motor vehicle forwirelessly communicating with a stationary service device; whereinInternet addresses wirelessly transmitted from the stationary servicedevice to the motor vehicle are enterable in the central address memoryvia the data interface.
 13. The motor vehicle according to claim 1,further comprising: a central bookmark memory; wherein bookmarks aresettable and retrievable at the first and second operating locations, abookmark set at the first operating location assigned to the firstcomputer unit being storable in the central bookmark memory such thatsaid bookmark is retrievable by an access taking place by the secondcomputer unit to the central bookmark memory at the second operatinglocation.
 14. The motor vehicle according to claim 13, wherein: thecentral address memory and the central bookmark memory are both arrangedin one of the first and second computer units; and a profile managementmodule implemented by the one computer unit in which the central addressmemory and the central bookmark memory are arranged, the profilemanagement module managing the central address memory and the centralbookmark memory.
 15. The motor vehicle according to claim 14, wherein asingle memory unit houses the central address memory and the centralbookmark memory.
 16. A method of operating a motor vehicle having anInternet connection and at least first and second computer units towhich at least one operating location, respectively, is assigned forusing the Internet via the Internet connection, each operating locationincluding at least one display unit and an input device, the methodcomprising the acts of: automatically storing in a central addressmemory an Internet address used at a first operating location assignedto a first computer unit; making available said Internet address via anaccess that occurs from a second computer unit to the central addressmemory at a second operating location assigned to the second computerunit; and facilitating an Internet address input via the input device ofthe second operating location utilizing the Internet address madeavailable.
 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the act offacilitating the Internet address input is carried out by at least oneof: automatically completing an Internet address upon receiving an onlypartial alphanumerical input via the input device of the secondoperating location; and displaying a plurality of Internet addressesstored in the central address memory on the display unit of the secondoperating location and allowing a selection of an Internet address bythe input device of the second operating location from the plurality ofInternet addresses displayed.
 18. The method according to claim 16,wherein the act of automatically storing further comprises the act ofallowing the automatic storing of an Internet address from any operatinglocation without authentication.
 19. The method according to claim 18,further comprising the act of making available all Internet addressesstored in the central address memory at any operating location withoutauthentication.